Genesis 40:9-42:28

Joseph did a great job interpreting the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker -- both good and bad. All he asked was that they remember him. They were both released -- one back to power and one to death -- but Joseph was forgotten. For two more years, he was in prison and no one remembered how he had helped them. Can you imagine? We all know what it's like when we're forgotten ... not included in a big event, not remembered on a birthday, not xxx. For us, it's hurt feelings. But for Joseph, he was in prison ... apart from family, friends and freedom. It's easy to feel alone in there. Yet here was his chance at freedom. But he was forgotten. For 2 years. I would probably have given up. But Joseph just did his job.

And then the king needed to know what a dream meant. No one could tell him. Suddenly Joseph was no longer forgotten.

From the time Joseph was a child, God had prepared him for this moment when Pharoah needed someone to interpret his dreams. He had dreams about his brothers. He had interpreted dreams for others. All of it for this point. God prepares us for things that we don't even know are possible in our lives. But what I love most about this story is how Joseph reacts when Pharaoh tells him that he understands Joseph has this special gift. "Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." (41:16) No, not me. It's all God. What a picture of humility and a man who understood God's place in his life. No, I can't do anything. But God can do things through me. He always pointed people back to the glory of his God.

Joseph was able to show the king that there was a time of plenty coming and then a time of famine. He told the king how to prepare. And then, what do you know? The king was looking for some wise soul to handle all of that. Who else but the dreamer? God's plan put Joseph in power as the No. 2 guy in all of Egypt. Pretty impressive for the younger brother hated by his family.

And it all came to pass just as God said. Seven years of good times, when they stored up part of the harvest for the future. Then came the famine. Many people were hungry and came to Egypt looking for food. Including Joseph's brothers. Joseph disguises himself while he tries to get some more information from them. Is his father alive? What about their younger brother, the other son of Rachel? I'm not sure why Joseph plays this little game with them. To teach them a lesson? To find out more information before he gives them the shock of their life? The Bible doesn't say. But it does say how emotional this was for Joseph. It shows us that he was man enough to cry over his brothers, even if he didn't show them his tears. Then he sends them back to get his beloved brother.